Golden Triangle Amritsar Kerela Tours

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Meet our representative and transfer to hotel. Morning visit Old Delhi - explore the massive Red Fort built in 1648, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, visit Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, and pay respects at Raj Ghat - the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi - drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House. Visit Humayun's Tomb - a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Qutub Minar - the tallest brick minaret in the world at 73 meters. Return to hotel. Overnight stay at Delhi.

Morning visit the Lotus Temple - a Bahai House of Worship shaped like a lotus flower, known for its serene atmosphere. Visit the ISKCON Temple - a vibrant temple dedicated to Lord Krishna with stunning architecture. Afternoon visit the Akshardham Temple - a magnificent Hindu temple complex with stunning architecture and exhibitions. Visit the National Museum to see ancient artifacts and sculptures from India's rich heritage. Evening enjoy a cultural performance at a heritage venue. Overnight stay at Delhi.

Morning drive to Agra (230 kms, approx 4 hours) via the Yamuna Expressway. Check into hotel and freshen up. Afternoon visit the world-famous Taj Mahal - built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 for his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Explore the stunning white marble mausoleum with intricate inlay work and beautiful gardens. Visit Agra Fort - a massive red sandstone fortress containing the Pearl Mosque, Hall of Public Audience, and Hall of Private Audience with stunning views of the Taj Mahal. Also visit Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (Baby Taj) - built by Empress Noor Jahan for her father. Evening visit Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) for a spectacular sunset view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. Overnight stay at Agra.

Early morning (5:30 AM) visit to the Taj Mahal for sunrise viewing - witness the white marble monument change colors with the rising sun. Explore the gardens, mosque, and the main mausoleum with its intricate inlay work. Return to hotel for breakfast. Afternoon free for shopping of marble inlay work, leather goods, and handicrafts. Optional visit to the Taj Nature Walk or explore the local markets of Agra. Evening enjoy a Mughlai dinner with traditional cuisine. Overnight stay at Agra.

Morning drive to Jaipur (240 kms, approx 5 hours). Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri - the impressive sandstone fortress city built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Explore Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate) - the tallest gateway in the world, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, and the Royal Palace complex with its courtyards and pavilions. Continue drive to Jaipur - the Pink City. Check into hotel. Evening explore the colorful bazaars of Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar for textiles, gemstones, and blue pottery. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Morning excursion to Amber Fort (11 kms from city). Enjoy an elephant ride up to the main gate. Explore Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful gardens with water channels. Afternoon visit City Palace - a beautiful blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture with courtyards, gardens, and museums. Explore Jantar Mantar - the astronomical observatory with massive stone instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh. Drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its unique facade of 953 windows. Evening enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner with folk dance and music performance. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Morning visit Nahargarh Fort - perched on the Aravalli hills offering panoramic views of Jaipur city. Visit the Royal Gaitor - the royal crematorium with beautiful cenotaphs of Jaipur's rulers. Afternoon visit the Albert Hall Museum - the oldest museum in Rajasthan with a fine collection of artifacts. Explore the local markets for handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles. Visit the gemstone cutting and polishing workshops for which Jaipur is famous. Evening free for leisure or optional visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic village resort showcasing Rajasthani culture. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Morning transfer to Jaipur Airport for flight to Amritsar (approx 1.5 hours). On arrival at Amritsar, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) - the holiest shrine of Sikhism. Explore the stunning gold-plated temple, the sacred pool (Amrit Sarovar), and the community kitchen (Langar) that serves free meals to thousands daily. Evening witness the Palki Sahib ceremony - the nightly ritual of carrying the Guru Granth Sahib to its resting place. Enjoy the illuminated Golden Temple at night. Overnight stay at Amritsar.

Morning visit Jallianwala Bagh - the memorial site of the 1919 massacre during British rule. Visit the Partition Museum - documenting the history of India's partition in 1947. Afternoon visit the Durgiana Temple - a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga with architecture similar to the Golden Temple. Evening visit the Wagah Border (28 kms from Amritsar) - witness the daily Beating Retreat ceremony at the India-Pakistan border. Watch the soldiers from both sides perform the aggressive but friendly march. Return to Amritsar. Overnight stay at Amritsar.

Morning visit the Golden Temple again for morning prayers and to experience the peaceful atmosphere. Visit the nearby Jallianwala Bagh again for a deeper understanding. Afternoon explore the local markets of Amritsar - Hall Bazaar, Katra Jaimal Singh, and Guru Bazaar for traditional handicrafts, Phulkari embroidery, and woolen garments. Enjoy the famous Amritsari Kulcha and Lassi at local eateries. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Amritsar.

Morning transfer to Amritsar Airport for flight to Cochin (approx 3 hours). On arrival at Cochin International Airport, transfer to hotel. Afternoon tour of Fort Kochi - explore the historic colonial town with its blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture. Visit St. Francis Church - the oldest European church in India, Santa Cruz Basilica, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at the harbor. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue (Jewish Synagogue) built in 1568 and the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) with its beautiful murals. Evening enjoy a Kathakali dance performance - a traditional Kerala art form with elaborate makeup and costumes. Overnight stay at Cochin.

Morning enjoy a backwater cruise through the serene canals and lagoons of Cochin. Visit the Kerala Folklore Museum - showcasing traditional art forms, costumes, and artifacts. Afternoon visit the Hill Palace Museum - the former royal palace of the Kochi kings with a fine collection of artifacts. Explore the local markets for spices, handicrafts, and Kerala sarees. Evening enjoy a traditional Kerala seafood dinner. Overnight stay at Cochin.

Morning drive to Munnar (130 kms, approx 4 hours). The scenic drive passes through winding mountain roads, lush green forests, and beautiful waterfalls including Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. On arrival at Munnar (5,500 feet), check into a resort amidst the tea plantations. Afternoon visit a tea garden and factory - learn about tea processing from leaf to cup, enjoy a tea tasting session with different varieties of tea. Visit the Munnar town for local shopping - buy fresh spices, tea, and homemade chocolates. Evening enjoy the breathtaking views of the misty hills and tea gardens from your resort. Overnight stay at Munnar.

Morning visit Eravikulam National Park - home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat). The park offers stunning views of rolling hills covered with grasslands and the Anamudi Peak - the highest peak in South India at 8,842 feet. Afternoon visit Mattupetty Dam and Lake - enjoy a boat ride on the lake with views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations. Visit the nearby Kundala Lake and the Echo Point - where your voice echoes back from the hills. Visit the Rose Garden and the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea in Munnar. Evening free for leisure or shopping for local spices and tea. Overnight stay at Munnar.

Morning drive to Top Station - the highest point in Munnar offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the plains of Tamil Nadu. Visit the nearby villages to experience the traditional lifestyle of the local people. Afternoon visit the Chinnakanal Waterfalls and the Attukal Waterfalls - beautiful cascades surrounded by lush greenery. Visit the local spice plantations - see cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon growing. Evening enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner with local flavors. Overnight stay at Munnar.

Morning drive to Thekkady (110 kms, approx 3 hours) through scenic winding roads and cardamom plantations. On arrival, check into resort near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Afternoon enjoy a jeep safari in Periyar Tiger Reserve - search for wild elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild boar, and if lucky, the elusive tiger. Also visit the Periyar Lake and enjoy a boat cruise to spot wildlife along the banks including birds, otters, and elephants. Evening visit a spice plantation - explore cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla gardens with a guided tour. Enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner with local flavors. Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Morning enjoy bamboo rafting on the Periyar Lake - a unique experience through the serene waters surrounded by forests. Visit the tribal village nearby to learn about the traditional lifestyle of the local tribes. Afternoon visit the Mangala Devi Temple - an ancient temple located within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Visit the local markets for spices, handicrafts, and Kerala sarees. Evening enjoy a cultural performance showcasing traditional Kerala art forms including Kalaripayattu (martial art) and Theyyam. Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Morning drive to Alleppey (150 kms, approx 4 hours). On arrival, board a traditional Kettuvallam (rice boat) - a luxurious houseboat for a 24-hour backwater experience. Cruise through the enchanting backwaters of Kerala - witness the unique ecosystem of canals, lakes, and lagoons lined with coconut palms, paddy fields, and small villages. Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala cuisine on board including fish curry, appam, prawns, and local delicacies. Watch the sunset over the tranquil backwaters. Overnight stay at Alleppey (houseboat) with all meals included.

Morning continue houseboat cruise through the backwaters, enjoy breakfast on board, and disembark at Alleppey around 0900 hrs. Drive to Kovalam (160 kms, approx 4 hours) - one of Kerala's most famous beach destinations. On arrival, check into beach resort. Afternoon relax on the crescent-shaped Lighthouse Beach - enjoy swimming in the Arabian Sea. Visit the historic Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. Evening enjoy a beachside dinner with fresh seafood. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Morning enjoy an Ayurvedic massage or spa treatment (optional) - Kerala is famous for its traditional Ayurvedic therapies. Visit a local Ayurvedic center to learn about the ancient science of healing. Afternoon visit the Kovalam Art Gallery and the local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs. Relax on the Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach. Evening enjoy a cultural performance showcasing Kerala's traditional arts. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Early morning drive to Kanyakumari (90 kms, approx 2.5 hours) - the southernmost tip of India where three seas meet - the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial - where Swami Vivekananda meditated. Visit the Thiruvalluvar Statue - a 133-foot tall stone sculpture of the Tamil poet and philosopher. Visit the Kanyakumari Temple - dedicated to Goddess Kumari Amman. Watch the sunset and sunrise over the ocean (if time permits). Return to Kovalam by evening. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Morning drive to Trivandrum (16 kms, approx 30 minutes) - the capital city of Kerala. Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple - one of the most sacred Vishnu temples in India with stunning Dravidian architecture. Visit the Napier Museum - a unique blend of Kerala, Mughal, Chinese, and Italian architecture with a fine collection of artifacts. Visit the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum - the former royal palace with wooden architecture and royal artifacts. Afternoon visit the Trivandrum Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. Evening explore the local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs. Return to Kovalam. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Morning free for leisure or optional activities like surfing, parasailing, or catamaran riding at the beach. Afternoon enjoy a cooking class to learn traditional Kerala cuisine (optional). Visit the local fishing villages to see the traditional fishing methods. Evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a beachside restaurant with fresh seafood. Overnight stay at Kovalam.